21st Century Business Woman Conference set for Wednesday

A past 21st Century Business Woman conference held in the former Staten Island Hotel, Graniteville in 2007 (Advance File Photo)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The West Brighton Community Local Development Corporation wants Staten Island businesswomen in the borough to put "I" -- inspiration, information and innovation -- into their business focus by attending Wednesday's 21st Century Business Woman Conference.

The event, to be held at the at the Old Bermuda Inn in Rossville, returns for a ninth year with new features and many informational and networking opportunities. A new component to the event this year is a "shop and browse" with vendors. Participants will have the opportunity to meet vendors in the community and shop for an array of items.

The conference, which runs from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., will feature an "information" portion, which will include presentations from key people involved in the planning of Empire Outlets in St. George.

Covered in the "innovation" portion of the program will be presentations about new technology, including insight about digital toolkits, drop boxes, online tools, phone apps and cyber security, as well as how to incorporate these tools into a business.

The "inspiration" component will include a panel discussion titled "Keeping Cool and Paying It Forward: How successful business women deal with adversity, solve difficult situations and give back to their communities."

Featured speakers at the conference include Walter Maxwell, director of external affairs, city Department of Small Business Services; a speaker who will present a design model of the plan for the Empire Outlets, and Charles DiBartolo, owner of Better Biz Works.

The panel discussion, to be led by Philip Guarnieri, president and chief executive officer of Empire State Bank, will feature: Nancy Gahles, author of "The Power of $elf Care: A Common Sense Guide to YOUR Wellness Solution"; Gina Colabelli, owner, Red Carpet Boutique and active with "Go Red for Women"; and Martha Venditto, second branch manager of Richmond County Savings Bank and founder of S.E.L.F., Stand Empowered Live Free, a not-for-profit organization to help those going through divorce.

WBCLDC is the Staten Island partner of the Business Outreach Center Network's Women's Business Center. Through the BOC WBC, WBCLDC offers one-on-one counseling, training seminars to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The WBC is sponsored by the US Small Business Administration (SBA).

The conference cost is $85 per person and includes continental breakfast and lunch. Register online at SIWomensBusinessCenter.com or call 718-816-4775.